For Memorial Day, we’re rebroadcasting our hour-long feature: “Stories from Third Med: Surviving a Jungle ER.” That documentary came about thanks to veteran Al Naar who coordinated the 40-Year reunion in 2008 — and invited us to attend.

Al Naar and producer Ariana Pekary

I’ve written before about the special bond I feel with these men – one that would last a very long time. Al Naar’s not only a dedicated fan of the show, but we’ve become friends as well. My father and I traveled to Newport stay with Al and his wife Judy a couple of years ago. It was a great weekend – we toured the Newport mansions (what they call “cottages”), went sailing in a schooner, and Judy guided us on a lovely bicycle ride while Al zoomed past on his Harley. Four years later, we’re still in contact.

Every time I hear Third Med, it weighs on me all over again – maybe it affects me so because I met the men in person, but I think it has to do more with the emotion you can hear in their voices. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I think that kind of emotion is something you can only achieve with the intimacy of radio. Either way, if this is the first time you are hearing these stories, I hope they are meaningful to you – or a loved one here or overseas – in some way. This weekend, let’s not forget the sacrifice our veterans have given for the country, a sacrifice some are still paying today.